2013 a GREAT YEAR

2013 has been a productive year for The Eye Fund.

In May we had our third exhibition of Simon’s graphic designs opened by The Eye Fund patron, Mike McCartney. Joining us this time were The Wirral Potters. Their beautiful pottery attracted a lot of attention and they very kindly donated all the proceeds to the charity. Total from the week long exhibition was in the region of £1300.

At the exhibition, Jak, an eleven year old student who is suffering failing vision was presented with a specially adapted iPad to help with his studies. Kerry and Karl received Samsung tablets to help them at work. A cheque for
£2000 was presented to The Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighed to help them purchase a Braille machine. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it possible.

Carol, Paul, and Mike present a cheque to Lyn from WSPB.
Carol, Paul, and Mike present a cheque to Lyn from WSPB.

Trustee of The Eye Fund, Dr Deborah Broadbent was married in June and asked the guests to donate to the charity rather than give gifts. The amount raised was an amazing £1100.

Friends of The Eye Fund at Hope Place in Prenton helped us hold a Race Night on their premises. That, combined with another Race Night supported by the Department of the Environment raised over £700.

Eye Fund counsellor at St. Paul’s Hospital, Liverpool, Wendy Lee, very generously held a “Jewellery Party” in her home. Sales from The Eye Fund merchandise, jewellery, scarves and pictures, raised over £400. Well Done! Wendy.

If you could do what Wendy did we will gladly supply all the necessary goods. Could YOU help?

Every penny raised goes to help people like Simon.

Carol visits groups to talk about Simon and the work of The Eye Fund. If you would like a visit please contact us on 0151 670 1679 or pj.sherry@gmail.com

Presentation to Karl Thompson

On Wednesday 10th July, Carol and Paul went to Ashville Lodge, home of the Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted, to present a Samsung Synapptic tablet to Karl Thompson.

Karl is 17 years old and has failing sight. He is a very bright boy and will be helped at school with his new tablet.

The Eye Fund trustees wish him lots of happy and successful hours.

Montse Benitez presented with her favourite Eye Fund print

While attending the launch of Vis-able (Visually Impaired Students Accessing Business, Learning and Enterprise) at Ashville Lodge, home of The Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted, we took the opportunity to present Montse Benitez with one of The Eye Fund’s favourite canvas prints, and one that she had commented on during her last visit.

The Montse Benitez Foundation has donated money to Ashville Lodge to enable them to buy a firing kiln for their pottery production.

Montse Benitez accepting a print from Carol Sherry and Lyn Sedgwick - June 2012.
Montse Benitez accepting a print from Carol Sherry and Lyn Sedgwick – June 2012.

Arrowe Park Hospital presentation

We had a day at Arrowe Park Hospital on 4th August working with The Wirral Association for the Blind and Partially Sighted in the charity shop. One of the main purposes for being there was to present Gareth Jones with a Max, a digital magnifier that is used through the TV or PC. This allows him to enlarge any reading matter to any size or colour. Something we learnt from Simon while he was still alive was how much easier for him it was to see in certain colours or lights.

One of the things we said at the beginning of the charity was that we wanted to help individuals to improve their life in one way or another. This is the first time we were able to do this and it was great. We’ll certainly be doing it again when the occasion arises.

Take a look at some pictures of the event in the Eye Fund Gallery.